Good morning, Tucson.

At Tucson's Pima Animal Care Center, staff said that after more than 80 dogs were adopted yesterday, the shelter still remains overcrowded with around 560 dogs as nearly 50 new dogs arrived, pushing numbers far above capacity.

They warned that if the count drops below 475, euthanasia deadlines will be paused—and they urged more adoptions to save lives.

Bridget Radcliff and local organizers will host the fall Made in Tucson Market on Fourth Avenue to support small businesses and artists — local vendors will offer discounts to those affected by benefit cuts while collection points will gather donations to help neighbors.

All money raised will go back into the community space to sustain Tucson’s creative economy as local makers face high costs and slow sales.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security has resumed SNAP benefits while Interfaith Community Services’ food bank on Tucson’s northside at Ina and Shannon roads has seen its Tuesday and Thursday visitors nearly triple from about 100 to 125 people to roughly 300.

The food bank said it is partnering with other centers and scaling up its mobile service—steps aimed at helping families still struggling after the shutdown.

El Tour de Tucson returns on Saturday, Nov.

22, marking its 42nd year as one of the Southwest’s largest cycling events with packet pickup and a three-day expo beginning on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Tucson Convention Center. Riders will set off at 7 a.m. on Saturday on multiple routes as nearly 10,000 cyclists and almost 1,000 walkers join the event—showing the city’s strong cycling community.

Downtown Tucson is busy this weekend as several major events begin & local organizers say the lineup is expected to draw visitors to enjoy local fun.

The Tucson Greek Festival returns after a five-year break and will feature Greek food—music and dance for community members.

Veterans organizations returned to Ocotillo Learning Center for phase two of a service project that is improving the school’s outdoor learning areas.

Volunteers expanded the sensory garden and added seating—helping students with special needs while promising similar projects at other schools.

The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory will reopen on Friday, November 21 and resume its 'Up Close with VERITAS' walking tours after closing since October 11 due to the government shutdown—volunteers are invited to return as the observatory operates most Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until December 19.

Tucson’s new Safe City Task Force held its first meeting Friday to address homelessness and fentanyl struggles in the community.

City officials, business leaders, and outreach groups discussed ways to improve housing and mental health support—planning next steps that include reviewing a proposed public drug use ordinance at a City Council study session.

On Tuesday, Gov. Katie Hobbs toured Tucson Electric Power’s largest battery energy storage system at Roadrunner Reserve I near Interstate 10 and South Rita Road, where state and local officials joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 200-megawatt system can power 42,000 homes for four hours (it supports TEP’s goal for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050) and a second 200-megawatt phase will be online by summer.

Supervisor Andrés Cano introduced the One Pima Initiative, a two-year plan to boost safety along The Chuck Huckelberry Loop by expanding substance abuse treatment, housing support, and $750,000 in cleanup efforts.

The Board of Supervisors will review the proposal on November 18th—funded by county funds, state and federal grants, and opioid settlement dollars.

In 2024, Arizona recorded nearly 15,000 valley fever cases—a record that is more than 34% above the five-year median, with around 1,600 cases reported in Pima County.

Health officials say increased testing and public awareness have helped spot more cases and urge anyone with flu-like symptoms to seek medical care.

The Pima Community College men’s basketball team won its third straight game on Thursday at West Campus Aztec Gymnasium by beating Arizona Christian University JV 123—70.

Sophomore Brock Mendoza and Isaac Johnson posted double-doubles as the team will face Park University-Gilbert JV on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The Arizona Wildcats beat UCLA 69-65 on Nov.

14 at an away game in Los Angeles—Anthony Dell’Orso came off the bench to score 20 points and spark a move that helped the team secure the win.

Beer & Crafts in the Taproom with The Art Cart

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Crafts from $5 to $15 — Explore your creativity with holiday-themed projects while enjoying local brews.

P.O.P - The Paul Opocensky Project: VelociPrints Bike Themed Art Show

6-10 p.m. — The Grand Tucson — Free entry — Experience a unique blend of art and music with Paul Opocensky's soulful performances.

Paint & Sip at Bacio Italiano

6-9 p.m. — Bacio Italiano — $45 — Enjoy a creative evening of painting and sipping alongside a glass of wine at a cozy venue.

Dutch Interior Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Hotel Congress — $13-$15 — Experience the raw sounds of Dutch Interior as they blend Freak Americana with heartfelt melodies.

TMA Fall Artisans Market

10 AM – 5 PM — Tucson Museum Of Art — Free entry — Explore over 100 local artists showcasing unique crafts and artwork in an outdoor street fair.

Is a Nonprofit Business Model Right for You?

2-3:30 p.m. — Eckstrom-Columbus Library — Free entry — Explore the essentials of launching a nonprofit with guidance from an experienced mentor.

Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy an evening of instrumental improvisation with Max Goldschmid and the house band.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. San Diego Gulls

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Tucson Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Tucson Roadrunners battle it out on the ice against the San Diego Gulls in an exciting hockey matchup.

Thanksgiving Cross Country Classic

8:00 a.m. — Reid Park — $26-$35 — Experience Tucson's original Turkey Trot with a festive 5K cross-country race and a fun run.

Hockey Showdown: Tucson Roadrunners vs Abbotsford Canucks

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Tucson Arena — Tickets available — Watch the Tucson Roadrunners clash with the Abbotsford Canucks in an exciting ice hockey match.